From Pro-Government Militia to Rivals of the State: The Rapid Support Forces and the Consequences of State Failure

Key Points

• The research aims to analyze the transformation of pro-government militias into state rivals following state failure.
• Qualitative analysis of political dynamics in regions affected by militia conflicts
• Case studies of the Rapid Support Forces' evolution over time
• Review of historical and contemporary governance issues
• The Rapid Support Forces evolved from loyalist militias into powerful rivals of the state
• State failure accelerated the RSF's growth and influence
• Political instability leads to increased militia autonomy and competition against the state